The Columbia Chorale will soon take a bite of the Big Apple

The Columbia Chorale of Oregon is headed to New York City’s Carnegie Hall next week, despite some bumps in the road.

The Columbia County-based group, made up of members from a variety of communities, will be performing “Magnificat,” an original work from English composer John Rutter at the historic venue May 27.

“Magnificat” is based on the New Testament’s announcement of the birth of Christ. Rutter will also serve as maestro at the performance.

The Columbia Chorale was originally scheduled to perform “The Wisdom of Columbia County” at the famous entertainment venue, but a member developed health problems, pushing the chorale to change plans.

Margaret Trenchard-Smith, one of the chorus leaders, said 12 members of the choir will be singing in New York, including four high school-aged youngsters: Kayla R. Bissell, Aidan Pulito, Elizabeth Faith Hanson and Jaedyn Schumacher.

Even though the Columbia Chorale, under the direction of artistic director Alice Rice Boyer, has had over 50 members, Trenchard-Smith said the reconfigured performance of “Magnificat” will be “so beautiful.”

The chorale originally intended to sing “Wisdom of Columbia County,” which highlights the history of Columbia County and includes a depiction of a Chinook Mother teaching her daughter to strip cedar for weaving. Another movement depicts the discovery of the mouth of the Columbia River. A third movement follows a frontiersman sneaking his way through the underbrush.

Trenchard-Smith intends to expand the “Wisdom” performance going forward.

“The composer and I are lengthening the ‘Wisdom of Columbia County,’” she said. “It will be performed in the county again. I’m adding a final song to it. I’ve got great ideas. I haven’t written it yet, but we are recomposing over the summer. We have a grant from the Columbia County Cultural Coalition for that purpose.”

The Columbia Chorale of Oregon is a premier community choir in Columbia County, according to Trenchard-Smith.

“We have a very full agenda, or rather, a schedule of events every year,” she said. “There are three or four concerts, depending on our mood.”

For more information about upcoming performances or the Carnegie Hall event, contact Trenchard-Smith at drmtrenchardsmith@gmail.com or at 503-543-3222.